Endoscope with a removable suction tube

ABSTRACT

An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a housing at its proximal end to control the direction and operation of the probe and for viewing images carried by optical fibers from the distal end of the probe. A recess or slot extending along either the suction tube or probe enables the suction tube to be removably secured to the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line. In the preferred embodiment, the suction tube connector includes means for regulating suction through the suction tube, such as a vent opening that can be manually sealed by a healthcare provider.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of theApplicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/618,410,entitled “Endoscope With A Removable Suction Tube,” filed on Jul. 18,2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field ofendoscopes. More specifically, the present invention discloses anendoscope with a removable suction tube.

[0004] 2. Statement of the Problem

[0005] Endoscopes have been used for many years in the medical field forviewing within a desired region of the patient's body through thepatient's airway, other natural orifices, or a surgical incision. Anendoscope typically has an elongated flexible probe with a housing atits proximal end. Optical fibers extending the length of the endoscopicprobe carry an image from the distal end of the probe to the housing,where it can be viewed through an eye piece by the physician. Thehousing also includes one or more controls allowing the physician todirect the distal tip of the probe in a desired direction. The probe canalso be equipped with one or more instrument channels for surgicalimplements. A suction channel extends the length of the endoscopic probeto facilitate removal of mucus, blood, or secretions that can obstructthe physician's view or interfere with endoscopic surgery.

[0006] The problem is that these channels are difficult to clean andsterilize because only the ends of the channels are open. A conventionalautoclave can be used to sterilize an endoscope probe with heat andpressure. But, this tends to be harmful to the polymer components of theendoscope probe and can substantially shorten its useful life.Alternatively, the endoscope probe can be sterilized by immersion in aliquid chemical bath. Unfortunately, the efficacy of this approachesdepends on the ability of the liquid to fully penetrate into all regionsof the endoscope probe, which is often not possible if the suctionchannel contains mucus, coagulated blood, or the like. In addition,neither autoclave sterilization nor chemical bath sterilization canensure complete removal of biological materials that may become trappedwithin the channels of an endoscope probe.

[0007] One approach has been to manually clean the channels in theendoscope probe with a cleaning rod or brush. However, this approach isrelatively labor intensive, costly, and may expose the worker tocontamination. There is also a risk that the cleaning process is not100% effective since it is very difficult to visually inspect theinterior length of the channels in the endoscope probe.

[0008] 3. Prior Art

[0009] A variety of endoscopes with removable tubes or sheaths have beendisclosed in the prior, including the following: Inventor Patent No.Issue Date Takahashi 4,616,631 Oct. 14, 1986 Silverstein et al.4,646,722 Mar. 3, 1987 Takahashi 5,050,585 Sep. 24, 1991 Silverstein etal. 5,193,525 Mar. 16, 1993 Takahashi 5,257,617 Nov. 2, 1993 Adair5,329,940 July 19, 1994 Hori 5,349,941 Sep. 27, 1994 Adair 5,489,256Feb. 6, 1996 Jones 5,503,616 April 2, 1996 Harhen 5,685,822 Nov. 11,1997 Wilk et al. 5,746,694 May 5, 1998 Harhen 5,876,329 March 2, 1999Wilk et al. 5,938,586 Aug. 17, 1999 Crawford 5,944,654 Aug. 31, 1999

[0010] The Takahashi '631 patent discloses a removable tube that can beinserted into a slot in an endoscopic probe.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,722 to Silverstein et al. discloses anendoscope with a protective sheath having a transparent window at itsdistal end. Channels for taking biopsies, or injecting air or water towash the window of the sheath may extend along the endoscope eitherinside or outside the sheath. If the channels are positioned inside thesheath, they may be inserted in a longitudinal groove formed in theendoscope core.

[0012] The Takahashi '585 and '617 patents disclose a sheathed endoscopewith a channel tube that is removably insertable into the main body ofthe endoscopic probe.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,525 to Silverstein et al. discloses anendoscope with an antiglare tip at its distal end.

[0014] The Adair '940 patent discloses a device for assisting ininsertion of an endotracheal tube. The assist device includes a handle,a malleable elongated insertion section, and an endoscope assembly. Thehandle may also include a suction port for attaching a suction tube forevacuation of the trachea during the intubation process.

[0015] Hori discloses an endoscope with a removable cover and anU-shaped viewing channel.

[0016] The Adair '256 patent discloses an endoscope with a separabledisposable tube assembly.

[0017] Jones discloses an endoscope with a collapsible access thatallows insertion of functional instruments such as a biopsy device ortubes for supplying air, water, suction, and irrigation.

[0018] The Harhen patents disclose an endoscope with an elastomericsheath.

[0019] The patents to Wilk et al. disclose a biopsy channel liner foruse with an endoscope.

[0020] Crawford discloses an endoscope with a replaceable irrigationchannel that is held in a groove extending along the exterior surface ofthe endoscope.

[0021] 4. Solution to the Problem

[0022] Nothing in the prior art discussed above shows an endoscope witha suction tube that can be removably inserted into a slot extending thelength of the endoscope, and having a connector at its proximal end tosecure the suction tube to the housing of the endoscope. The suctiontube connector can be equipped with a vent hole to allow the physicianto regulate suction through the suction tube. The distal end of thesuction tube can also be removably attached to a connector within theslot at the distal tip of the endoscope probe.

[0023] The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings ofconventional endoscopes by allowing the suction tube to be easilyremoved and discarded after use. The connectors at either end of thesuction tube hold the suction tube securely in place to the remainder ofthe endoscope. The suction tube tends to prevent biological materialfrom collecting in the slot. However, if cleaning is necessary, the slotis open from the endoscope housing to its distal tip for easy access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This invention provides an endoscope having a removable suctiontube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection.The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a housing at itsproximal end to control the direction and operation of the probe and forviewing images carried by optical fibers from the distal end of theprobe. A recess or slot extending along either the suction tube or probeenables the suction tube to be removably secured to the probe. A suctiontube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows thesuction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides aconnector for removable attachment to an external suction line. In thepreferred embodiment, the suction tube connector includes means forregulating suction through the suction tube, such as a vent opening thatcan be manually sealed by a healthcare provider.

[0025] A primary object of the present invention is to provide anendoscope that is easier to clean and sterilize.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide anendoscope that reduces the risk of patient infection.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anendoscope that can be quickly and easily assembled and used byhealthcare providers.

[0028] These and other advantages, features, and objects of the presentinvention will be more readily understood in view of the followingdetailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention can be more readily understood inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the housing 10 and a portion ofthe flexible probe 30 of the present endoscope.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the opposing side of theendoscope.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a detail exploded view of the suction tube connector 44and the keyway 23 in the endoscope housing 10.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope probe 30.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a detail perspective view of the distal tip of theendoscope probe 30.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a detail cross-sectional view of the distal tip of theendoscope probe 30 corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0036]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the suction tube 70 and endoscope probe 80.

[0037]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the suction tube 70 andendoscope probe 80 corresponding to FIG. 7.

[0038]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the distal tip of theendoscope probe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Structure of the Present Endoscope.

[0040]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the housing 10 and a portion ofthe flexible probe 30 of the present endoscope. FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview of the opposing side of the endoscope. As illustrated, theendoscope housing 10 is connected at the proximal end of a flexibleprobe 30. The housing 10 includes a control lever 21 for controlling thedirection of the distal tip of the probe 30, and an eye piece 22allowing the physician to view the image carried by the probe from itsdistal tip.

[0041] The flexible probe 30 has an optical fiber channel 31 (shown inFIGS. 4 and 6) containing a plurality of optical fibers extending thelength of the probe 30 for carrying light from a light source in theendoscope housing 10 to the distal tip of the probe, and fortransmitting images from the distal tip of the probe 30 to the eye piece22 in the endoscope housing 10. Alternatively, a small camera can bemounted at the distal tip of the probe to capture images that aretransmitted by wire to the endoscope housing 10 for viewing. In thisembodiment, the probe 30 can still be equipped with optical fibers thatcarry light from a light source in the endoscope housing 10 to thedistal tip of the probe for illumination of the surrounding region.Optionally, the endoscope probe 30 can also have a number of otherchannels 32 extending along its length for instruments and the like.

[0042] In the present invention, a slot 35 extends at least asubstantial portion of the length of the probe 30 and at least a portionof the endoscope housing 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In the preferredembodiment, the distal end of the slot 35 is in fluid communication withan opening or port on the distal end of the probe 30, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

[0043] A flexible, disposable suction tube 40 can be removably insertedinto the slot 35 with its distal opening adjacent to the distal openingof the slot 35. The slot 35 has a substantially circular cross-sectionwith a diameter sufficient to removably engage the suction tube 40, asdepicted in the cross-sectional view of the endoscope probe 30 providedin FIG. 4. Ideally, the suction tube 40 should substantially fill theslot so there is no room for accumulation of biological materials.However, the suction tube 40 should also have a sufficiently smalldiameter so that it can be manually inserted into the slot 35 andsubsequently removed without undue effort by the healthcare provider.Alternatively, the slot 35 can be given a substantially ovalcross-section, which might be advantageous in more effectively grippingand retaining the suction tube 40 in the slot 35. The suction tube 40can be made of any suitable flexible material, such as a polymer,plastic, rubber, or a composite material. The suction tube 40 should besufficiently rigid to prevent kinking during insertion of the suctiontube 40 into the slot 35, and also to prevent collapse of the suctiontube 40 under suction. It may be advantageous to fabricate a suctiontube that is less rigid and has a softer durometer value at its distalend. In particular, the distal portion of the suction tube 40 must beable to bend along with the distal tip of the probe 30 as it ismanipulated by the physician.

[0044] The opening along the outside of the slot 35 is formed by the gapbetween two tapered lips at the outer surface of the probe 30. Forexample, the surface of the probe 30 can be made of a flexible polymer.These lips should be sufficiently flexible and elastic to allow thesuction tube 40 to be manually inserted into the slot 35 withoutrequiring excessive force. After the suction tube 40 has been inserted,the lips return to their original positions and cover a large portion ofthe outer surface area of the suction tube 40 in the slot 35. Thisfurther helps to prevent accumulation of biological material within theslot 35.

[0045] A suction tube connector 44 is attached at the proximal end ofthe suction tube 40 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 1. This suction tubeconnector 44 has an interior airway in communication with the lumen ofthe suction tube 40 and a vent opening 46 leading from the interiorairway to the ambient atmosphere. The physician can manually regulatethe degree of suction through the suction tube 40 by placing a finger orthumb over the vent opening 46 on the top of the suction tube connector44 to control the flow rate of air through the vent opening 46.Alternatively, the vent opening 46 can be located elsewhere along theflow path. For example, a vent opening can be made through the wall ofthe suction tube 40 itself. A small valve mechanism can also be used forregulating suction through the suction tube. The suction tube connector44 also can be equipped with a standard port 48 (shown in FIG. 3) forattachment to an external suction line 50, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0046] One of the primary advantages of the present invention is that itprovides a means for securing the suction tube 40 to the endoscopehousing 10 as well as the endoscope probe 30. This can be accomplishedby a number of means. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the endoscope housing 10 includes a connector 23 (e.g., arecessed keyway) that removably secures the suction tube connector 44 tothe endoscope housing 10. For example, FIG. 3 is a detail exploded viewof the suction tube connector 44 and a keyway 23 in the endoscopehousing 10. In this embodiment, two opposing lateral edges of thesuction tube connector 44 are sloped to engage the inwardly taperedwalls of the housing keyway 23 as the suction tube connector 44 slidesinto the keyway 23 from the side of the endoscope housing 10.Optionally, a complementary indent and detent on the base of the suctiontube connector 44 and the base of the keyway 23 can be used to provide atactile indication of when the proper degree of insertion has beenattained, and to provide a small degree of resistance to prevent thesuction tube connector 44 from accidentally sliding out of the keyway23.

[0047] In a minimalist embodiment of the present invention, the openingat the distal end of the suction tube 40 is simply exposed at the distaltip of the endoscope probe 30, which also corresponds to the distal endof the slot 35. However, it would be advantageous to secure the distalend of the suction tube 40 as well as its proximal end to help ensureproper initial installation and prevent the suction tube 40 from slidingalong the slot 35 during use of the device. In addition, spaceconstraints or flexibility constraints at the distal tip of theendoscope probe 30 may prevent the suction tube 40 from extending to thedistal tip of the endoscope probe 30.

[0048] Thus, it may be desirable to provide a second connector 38 atsome distance behind the distal tip of the endoscope probe 30 thatengages the distal end of the suction tube 40. FIG. 5 is a detailperspective view of the distal tip of this embodiment of the endoscopeprobe 30. FIG. 6 is a corresponding detail cross-sectional view of thedistal tip of the endoscope probe 30. An end plate 36 at the distal tipof the endoscope probe 30 has a number of ports, including a suctionopening 37 and a viewing port 31 aligned with the optical fiber channel31 within the probe 30. The distal connector 38 located within the slot35 adjacent to the suction opening 37 can be inserted into the distalopening of the suction tube 40 to removably secure the suction tube 40in fluid communication with the suction opening 37. This configurationprovides a complete path for suction of fluid from the regionsurrounding the distal tip of the probe 30 through the suction opening37, distal connector 38, suction tube 40, and suction tube connector 44to the external suction line 50.

[0049] With both ends of the suction tube 40 fixed by connectors 44 and38, it can be difficult to precisely insert the suction tube 40 in theslot 35 without excess or shortfall. To address this potential problem,a portion of the slot 35 on the endoscope housing 10 adjacent to thesuction tube connector 44 is widened to serve as a take-up region forthe suction tube 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. This widened region24 of the slot 35 can also accommodate small variations in the length ofthe suction tube between the connectors 44 and 38.

[0050] Method of Use for the Endoscope.

[0051] Prior to use, the endoscope housing 10 and probe 30 are cleanedand sterilized in the conventional manner. Because the suction tubeassembly is designed primarily to be disposable, it would normally besterilized at the factory and distributed to hospitals and medicaloffices in sterile packaging. The healthcare provider removes thesuction tube assembly from its packaging and inserts the distal end ofthe suction tube 40 into the slot 35 adjacent to distal tip of theendoscope probe 30. The distal end of the suction tube 40 is advanceddistally until it is secured to the distal connector 38 within the slot35. The remainder of the suction tube 40 is then inserted along thelength of the slot 35. The suction tube connector 44 at the proximal endof the suction tube 40 is inserted into the keyway 23 in the endoscopehousing 10 to secure the other end of the suction tube in place. Asuction line 50 is then attached to the corresponding suction port 48 onthe suction tube connector 44.

[0052] After initial preparation of the endoscope is complete, it can beinserted into the patient for viewing. The physician controls thedirection of the probe tip using the control lever 21. Suction issupplied through the external suction line 50 and the suction tube 40.The amount of suction can be regulated by the physician via the ventopening 46.

[0053] After use, the external suction line 50 is disconnected from thesuction port 48 and the suction tube connector 44 is detached from theendoscope housing 10. The suction tube 40 is stripped out of the slot 35and detached from the distal connector 38. The entire suction tubeassembly can then be discarded. The endoscope housing and probe can becleaned and sterilized for subsequent reuse. If necessary, a small brushcan be employed to clean any matter accumulating in the slot 35.

[0054] Alternative Embodiment of the Suction Tube and Endoscope Probe.

[0055] FIGS. 7-9 show an alternative embodiment of the present inventionin which the suction tube 70 clips over the endoscope probe 80, ratherthan being inserted into a recess in the endoscope probe as shown in theprevious embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of thisembodiment of the suction tube 70 and endoscope probe 80. FIG. 8 is across-sectional view of the suction tube and endoscope probecorresponding to FIG. 7.

[0056] This embodiment allows the present invention to be used inconjunction with any conventional endoscope probe 80 having theappropriate cross-sectional shape and diameter. As before, the endoscopeprobe 80 has light fibers 81, fiber optics 82, and a number of wires 83for controlling the direction of the distal tip of the endoscope probe80.

[0057] The suction tube 70 has a suction lumen 72 extending along itsentire length, and a recess 75 that extends along at least the distalportion of the suction tube 70. This recess is used to removably securethe suction tube 70 to the endoscope probe 80. For example, the recess75 can have a substantially circular cross-section with an opening thatclips around the probe 80, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively, therecess could have a cross-section suitable for gripping or slipping overthe endoscope probe 80. The suction tube 70 could also be formed with aseries of discrete fasteners that removably engage the endoscope probe80 at intervals along its length.

[0058] A suction tube connector is attached at the proximal end of thesuction tube 70, as previously discussed, and can be equipped with anopening to regulate suction. Alternatively, other means can be providedfor regulating suction through the suction tube 70, such as an openingin the suction tube 70 that can be manually sealed by the thumb orfinger of a healthcare provider, or a small valve could be employed forthis purpose The proximal end of the suction tube 70 can be bonded to aport on the suction tube connector that fits over the outside diameterof the suction tube 79, Alternatively, an adaptor can be provided as atransition between the half-moon shaped cross-section of the suctionlumen 72 and suction tube connector.

[0059] The distal tip of the suction tube 70 can be equipped with aseries of notches 73 to facilitate bending and provide an enhanced rangeof motion for the distal portion of the suction tube 70. These notches73 are spaced at intervals along both sides of the distal portion of thesuction tube 70 in the plane of motion for the endoscope probe 80. Aflexible sheath or sleeve 77 can be extended over the distal tip of thesuction tube 70 to cover the notches 73 and prevent the accumulation ofmatter in the notches, as shown in the cross-sectional view of thedistal tip of the assembly in FIG. 9. The sheath 77 also helps to securethe suction tube 70 to the endoscope probe 80. For example, the sheath77 can be made a thin, flexible layer of polymer.

[0060] The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of thepresent invention. Other arrangements or embodiments, not precisely setforth, could be practiced under the teachings of the present inventionand as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. An endoscope comprising: an elongated flexible probe havinga proximal end and a distal end with optical fibers carrying images fromthe distal end of the probe; a housing attached at the proximal end ofthe probe controlling the direction and operation of the probe; asuction tube having a recess extending along the suction tube toremovably secure the probe to the suction tube; and a suction tubeconnector at the proximal end of the suction tube removably securable tothe housing and having a connector for removable attachment to anexternal suction line.
 2. The endoscope of claim 1 further comprisingmeans for regulating suction through the suction tube.
 3. The endoscopeof claim 2 wherein said means for regulating suction comprises anopening in the suction tube that can be manually sealed by a healthcareprovider to regulate suction through the suction tube.
 4. The endoscopeof claim 2 wherein the means for regulating suction comprises an openingin the suction tube connector that can be manually sealed by ahealthcare provider to regulate suction through the suction tube.
 5. Theendoscope of claim 1 wherein the recess has a substantially circularcross-section with an opening that clips around the probe.
 6. Theendoscope of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a housingconnector, and the suction tube connector is removably securable to thehousing connector.
 7. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the housingfurther comprises a keyway and the suction tube connector is removablysecurable to the keyway.
 8. The endoscope of claim 1 further comprisinga plurality of notches spaced along the distal portion of the suctiontube to provide an enhanced range of motion for the distal portion ofthe suction tube.
 9. The endoscope of claim 8 further comprising aflexible sheath covering the notches and the distal portion of thesuction tube.
 10. An endoscope comprising: an elongated flexible probehaving a proximal end and a distal tip with optical fibers carryingimages from the distal tip of the probe; a housing attached at theproximal end of the probe controlling the direction and operation of theprobe, said housing having a housing connector; a suction tube having arecess extending along the suction tube, said probe being insertableinto the recess to removably secure the probe to the suction tube; and asuction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube removablysecurable to the housing connector and having: (a) a connector forremovable attachment to an external suction line for supplying suctionthrough the suction tube; and (b) an opening that can be manually sealedby a healthcare provider to regulate suction through the suction tube.11. The endoscope of claim 10 wherein the housing connector comprises akeyway and the suction tube connector is removably securable to thekeyway.
 12. The endoscope of claim 10 wherein the recess has asubstantially circular cross-section with an opening that clips aroundthe probe.
 13. The endoscope of claim 10 further comprising a pluralityof notches spaced along the distal portion of the suction tube toprovide an enhanced range of motion for the distal portion of thesuction tube.
 14. The endoscope of claim 13 further comprising aflexible sheath covering the notches and the distal portion of thesuction tube.
 15. An endoscope comprising: an elongated flexible probehaving a proximal end and a distal end with optical fibers carryingimages from the distal end of the probe; a housing attached at theproximal end of the probe controlling the direction and operation of theprobe, said housing having a housing connector; a suction tube having arecess extending along the suction tube, said probe being removablyinsertable into the recess on the suction tube to removably secure theprobe to the suction tube, said suction tube also having a plurality ofnotches spaced along the distal portion of the suction tube to providean enhanced range of motion for the distal portion of the suction tube;and a suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tuberemovably securable to the housing connector, said suction tubeconnector having a connector for removable attachment to an externalsuction line for supplying suction through the suction tube.
 16. Theendoscope of claim 15 wherein the housing connector comprises a keywayand the suction tube connector is removably securable to the keyway. 17.The endoscope of claim 15 wherein the recess has a substantiallycircular cross-section with an opening that clips around the probe. 18.The endoscope of claim 15 further comprising a flexible sheath coveringthe notches and the distal portion of the suction tube.
 19. Theendoscope of claim 15 further comprising an opening in the suction tubeconnector that can be manually sealed by a healthcare provider toregulate suction through the suction tube.